Arriva has reported a "shameful act of misguided racist aggression on its drivers."

In a statement, Arriva Malta said that it would like to "express support for its employees.  This recent ugly incident, which necessitated police intervention, occurred yesterday evening, in the area of Mgarr."

"One of our drivers was victim of racist attack after the bus came to a stop because a car was blocking the road. A number of  other people soon joined in the insults and personal abuse. When some minutes later a second driver arrived on site, he was also affronted with racist insults which progressed to physical assault."

Kim Purcell, Arriva’s Operations Director, said that Arriva would like to point out that drivers are hard workers who often work in difficult situations.

“Arriva is unequivocally stating that all aggressions will be reported to the Police and drivers will receive full assistance in any eventual court proceedings. All our buses are fitted with CCTV cameras which will be used as evidence. The company will not tolerate any type of violence, especially racism.”

When contacted, the police said that the incident occured after a female Arriva driver,who is dark-skinned, signalled to the driver of an oncoming vehicle to stop since the Arriva driver saw that both the bus and vehicle wouldn’t have made it through the winding street situated near Manikata.

The other driver refused to stop and an argument ensued, with the car owner hurling insults towards the bus driver. 

The incident brought traffic to a halt. Other drivers who realised what had been going on and who were stuck in traffic, joined in and hurled insults at the bus driver.